What Is a Slipper Bathtub?


70" Thaine Antique Black Copper Double Slipper Tub, Vassor Freestanding Tub Faucet in Matte Black 70" Thaine Antique Black Copper Double Slipper Tub, Vassor Freestanding Tub Faucet in Matte Black

Rising at either end so you can recline as you bathe, slipper bathtubs are responsible for the comfortable lounging position you take the moment you sit down. One (or both if the tub has a double-slipper design) of the walls are high sloping inward to offer head neck and back support. Depending on its shape and size the rim of the slipper tub can act as an arm rest.

Today, these tubs are built two ways: in single and double-slipper designs.

Single Slipper Tub


Single-slipper bathtubs elevate at one end allowing you to stretch out and use the heightened side for back support. The degree of elevation will vary depending on the style and length of the tub. They are able to accommodate wall-mount, deck-mount, and freestanding faucets. Traditionally most single slipper soaking tubs fall within a range of 60” to 72” in length and 30” to 36” in width.

49" Abbey Hammered Copper Clawfoot Single Slipper Tub

Double Slipper Tub


Double-slipper tubs are raised at both ends so you can relax on either side and often feature their drainage in the middle of the tub, as opposed to at one end. They offer style and function with their eye-catching designs perfect for luxurious soaking. Freestanding wall-mount and deck-mount faucets can all be used with these tubs. Double slipper bathtubs typically offer a few extra inches to accommodate two occupants comfortably, and range from 65”-78” in length and 35”-40” in width.

71" Raye Antique Black Hammered Copper Double Slipper Tub with Pedestal

Slipper Tub Styles

Slipper bathtubs come in an array of styles from vintage to modern and everything in between.

  • Clawfoot varieties come with multiple feet options including imperial and lion paw feet. While clawfoot tubs can be versatile they best align with traditional, mid-century modern, and modern farmhouse aesthetics.

  • Slipper tubs that rest directly on the floor tend to have contemporary designs that emphasize clean lines and bold silhouettes.

  • Pedestal slipper bathtubs bridge the gap between vintage and modern simultaneously capturing the essence of the classic and the spirit of the forward-thinking.

71" Frayser Cast Iron Double Slipper Tub, Deck-Mount Telephone Tub Faucet in Brushed Nickel
72" Sheba Solid Surface Freestanding Double Slipper Tub
72" Sheba Solid Surface Freestanding Double Slipper Tub
71" Sheba Acrylic Slipper Tub
71" Sheba Acrylic Slipper Tub
67" Amelia Acrylic Freestanding Slipper Tub
67" Amelia Acrylic Freestanding Slipper Tub
73" Ballico Solid Surface Freestanding Slipper Tub
73" Ballico Solid Surface Freestanding Slipper Tub
61" Ultra Acrylic Slipper Clawfoot Tub with Imperial feet
61" Ultra Acrylic Slipper Clawfoot Tub
68" Ryan Cast Iron Slipper Pedestal Tub
68" Ryan Cast Iron Slipper Pedestal Tub
72" Arabella Cast Iron Double Slipper Tub
72" Arabella Cast Iron Double Slipper Tub
66" Goodwin Cast Iron Slipper Clawfoot Tub
66" Goodwin Cast Iron Slipper Clawfoot Tub
71" Anastasia Mosaic Nickel-Plated Copper Double-Slipper Tub
71" Anastasia Mosaic Nickel-Plated Copper Double-Slipper Tub
49" Abbey Hammered Copper Slipper Clawfoot Soaking Tub
49" Abbey Hammered Copper Slipper Clawfoot Soaking Tub
71" Raye Antique Black Hammered Copper Double-Slipper Tub
71" Raye Antique Black Hammered Copper Double-Slipper Tub
59" Sasha Solid Surface Freestanding Slipper Tub
59" Sasha Solid Surface Freestanding Slipper Tub

Material choice, foot style, and plinth design help determine where on the style spectrum the tub resides.

Slipper Tub Materials and Finishes

The earliest slipper tubs were typically made of enamel-covered steel porcelain and copper. These materials are extremely heavy and difficult to move. Today, slipper tubs are available in lightweight acrylic and durable cast iron.

Traditional copper tubs are still widely available as well due to their natural antimicrobial properties and elegance. Additionally, these tubs are available in several different finishes such as natural copper, antique black, brushed nickel, and more, making it easy to customize your slipper bathtub to suit your design needs.

72" Paige Copper Double Slipper Tub

Add-Ons to Consider

71" Sheba Acrylic Air Massage Slipper Tub

An air tub easily transforms any bathroom into a spa-like experience with its multiple massage jets. These tubs can help relax your muscles, improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and reduce tension.

Greyfield Freestanding Tub Faucet in Gunmetal for slipper bathtubs

A tub filler will be a necessary add-on for any freestanding slipper bathtub and can be an eye-catching design statement.

Quick Connect Drop-In Drain Kit to add-on to slipper bath

Using a drop-in drain kit is highly recommended for installing your next slipper bathtub as it simplifies the installation process.

Gooseneck Shower Conversion Kit in Brushed Gold for slipper bathtub

For added functionality, utilize a shower conversion kit for a more tailored shower experience.

71" Sheba Acrylic Air Massage Slipper Tub

An air tub easily transforms any bathroom into a spa-like experience with its multiple massage jets. These tubs can help relax your muscles, improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and reduce tension.

Greyfield Freestanding Tub Faucet in Gunmetal for slipper bathtubs

A tub filler will be a necessary add-on for any freestanding slipper bathtub and can be an eye-catching design statement.

Quick Connect Drop-In Drain Kit to add-on to slipper bath

Using a drop-in drain kit is highly recommended for installing your next slipper bathtub as it simplifies the installation process.

Gooseneck Shower Conversion Kit in Brushed Gold for slipper bathtub

For added functionality, utilize a shower conversion kit for a more tailored shower experience.


Where Can I Place a Slipper Tub?

The freestanding design of slipper tubs allows them to be placed nearly anywhere in your bathroom. Review your plumbing layout to be sure that the bathtub will line up with any necessary piping.

What Style of Bathrooms Are Best for a Slipper Bath?


While slipper tubs are an excellent choice for traditional and modern farmhouse tastes, they are especially well-suited for mid-century modern design aesthetics due to the popularity of sleek acrylic as a product material.

Additionally, smaller bathrooms benefit greatly from a slipper bath as they provide a sense of openness because they are freestanding. Families with young children may want to consider a cast-iron slipper bathtub due to their greater durability and additional width for greater bathing space.

60" Sheba Solid Surface Freestanding Single Slipper Tub

Find More Ideas & Inspiration
Buying Guide for Freestanding Tubs
Here’s Why Your Bathroom Needs a Soaking Tub
Acrylic Bathtubs Vs Cast Iron Bathtubs: Which is right for you?
Buying Guide for Freestanding Tubs
Here’s Why Your Bathroom Needs a Soaking Tub
Acrylic Bathtubs Vs Cast Iron Bathtubs: Which is right for you?